It was a long and bumpy road to get there, but the Hartford Yard Goats (Class AA; Eastern League) had a successful inaugural year at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Despite the one-year delay to the park’s opening, the Yard Goats quickly became a hit with their fans, earning the 2017 Ballpark Digest Team of The Year […]
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2017 Continued Excellence Award: Vancouver Canadians
The Vancouver Canadians (Short Season A; Northwest League) are no strangers to success. Prior to a record-breaking 2017, the club had built a long track record of offering strong customer service to a fan base that was more than willing to come take in a night at the ballpark action. (more…)
Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement: Redband Rally Campaign, Spokane Indians
With the Redband Rally Campaign, the Spokane Indians (Short Season A; Northwest League) launched a multifaceted endeavor combining branding, merchandising, promotion and community outreach, along with a very unique and striking rally mascot. That successful effort earned the team an Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in the 2017 season. (more…)
Best Ballpark Improvement (Under $1M): Modern Woodmen Park Amusements
In a ballpark already known for a Ferris Wheel and other amusements, it takes a lot to stand out. The Quad Cities River Bandits added another set of unique amusements to a formerly dead part of Modern Woodmen Park, earning Ballpark Digest’s 2017 Award for Best Ballpark Improvement Under $1 Million. (more…)
2017 Best Charity: Quad Cities River Bandits
It’s a big week for the folks in Davenport, IA, as the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low A; Midwest League) have special reason to enjoy the World Series this year. (more…)
Editor’s Choice Award: National Eclipse Games
On August 21, many teams around baseball staged games and viewing parties to observe the National Eclipse. By seizing the opportunity to host a game in honor of this rare event, these teams created a memorable day in baseball that is being recognized by Ballpark Digest. (more…)
Best New Food Item: Beercheese Poutine
From fan nomination to majority rule to Midwest League stomachs, the West Michigan Whitecaps gobbled up Ballpark Digest’s Best New Food Item of 2017 with their Beercheese Poutine — a tribute to the team’s unique and popular crowdsourcing approach to concession items. (more…)
Best Ballpark Improvement (Over $1M): Great Dane Duck Blind
For the 2017 season, the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) successfully reinvented the Great Dane Duck Blind. Long one of the most popular features at Warner Park (aka “The Duck Pond“), the unique Duck Blind has captured the Ballpark Digest Best Ballpark Improvement (Over $1M) award. (more…)
2017 Executive of the Year: Ryan Keur
In his first year as president of the Daytona Tortugas (High A; Florida State League), Ryan Keur led the team to new heights. The Tortugas’ emphasis on unique promotions and community outreach helped generate a solid increase in attendance, making 2017 a successful season. (more…)
2017 Broadcaster of the Year: Howard Kellman and Mick Gillispie
Baseball is shaped and advanced by its innovations, from new ballparks to names to uniforms to theme nights, spotlighted by Ballpark Digest throughout the year and honored now, as we begin our 2017 awards. (more…)
Best of the Ballparks, Grapefruit League: LECOM Park
In the end, the vote wasn’t close when readers of Ballpark Digest were asked to select their favorite Grapefruit League venue. Capturing at least 65 percent over three rounds of voting, LECOM Park was chosen as the Best of the Ballparks fan favorite for the second straight year. (more…)
Best of the Ballparks, Cactus League: Salt River Fields
For the second straight year, Ballpark Digest readers named Salt River Fields at Talking Stick the top Cactus League ballpark in the Best of the Ballparks vote. (more…)
Best of 2016: #1, Carolina/California League Shift
We end 2016 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Ballpark Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #1: The Carolina/California League realignment. (more…)